The POW WifeA Psychiatric Appraisal

From Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (LCDR Hall), and a participating Naval hospital (Dra. Hall and Simmons). Dr. Hall is currently with the University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, and Dr. Simmons is with the Peachtree and Parkwood Mental Health Center, Atlanta.

A study of POW wives indicates that they are often in need of psychiatric help and that such help is reluctantly offered. Severe, progressive psychological and psychophysiological symptoms are common. Psychological issues centered on themes of desertion, ambiguity of role, repressed anger, sexuality, censure, and social isolation. Separation anxiety, role distortion, and sleep disorders were common in the children; male children were more significantly affected than female children. Recommendations for therapy and rehabilitation of the POW family are made.